Dakota Partnership

Sisseton 2020 Registration l Backpacks for Sisseton l Swimsuits for Sisseton l Christmas Tree Angels

Backpacks for Sisseton

The beginning of August, Dakota Partnership will begin collecting filled backpacks to help the students in Sisseton get off to a good start for the 2020-2021 school year. We are not sure what Covid-19 will hold for the schools. At this point, June, they are planning on opening but might have to do it remotely. The kids will still need supplies.

The Native American population is hit hard by Covid-19 and there are many students who will need backpacks so any way we can help would be appreciated. The backpacks will be delivered August 8 either mailed or personally delivered. This is one more example of our constant presence, caring and God’s love. Thanks for all your contributions.

If you would like to help with this worthy cause:

Obtain a supply list and tag which can be found online or in the box outside by the front door starting July 8.
Buy the backpack and fill it with the school supplies listed on the tag of the grade you choose.
Return filled backpacks with the tag attached to the outside to Knox on any of the three days listed below. (Placing the tag on the backpack will help ensure that we get the backpacks to the correct age student).
There will be 3 days to drop off at Knox by the front doors:
Sunday, August 2, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Monday, August 3, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Drop off deadline is Tuesday, August 4, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
If you are not able to drop off at church please call Julie Milldrum at 630-470-7044 or email to make alternative arrangements.

If you would rather not purchase the backpack feel free to donate supplies, or cash to help get supplies needed.

Any Questions call Julie Milldrum at 630-470-7044 or email at

For backpack supply list and tags click HERE

Towels, Bedding & Gently Used Clothes For Sisseton

We will again be collecting towels, bedding, blankets and gently used clothing for the homeless shelter and our Sisseton community. Used or new would be fantastic.

There will be 3 days to drop off at Knox by the front doors:

Sunday, August 2, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Monday, August 3, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday, August 4, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

If you are not able to drop off at church please call Julie Milldrum at 630-470-7044. or email to make alternative arrangements.

South Dakota Mission Trip - 2020

Cancelled for 2020 due to COVID-19. Check back for 2021 dates.

Enjoy this video from a previous trip.

The South Dakota Mission Trip is led by the Dakota Partnership, a non-profit organization comprised of Knox and several Chicago-area Presbyterian churches. This trip is inter-generational and family friendly. The cost for the trip is $250 for an individual and $500 per family (one room). This includes lodging in a motel and meals while in South Dakota. Campground facilities are $350 per family and $175 per individual. Transportation to and from Sisseton is at your own expense. Shared transportation can be arranged, and drivers of rental vans are needed. For complete registration information contact Ralph Lambka.

Montana Mission Trip

The Montana Mission Trip is a family-friendly, inter-generational trip led by First Presbyterian, Glen Ellyn to the Ft. Peck Indian Reservation in Northeastern Montana. Over the years, a partnership has developed with the Bethel Community Church in Culbertson, MT, the town outside the reservation. Church members participate in the VBS program or work on construction/repair projects. Meals and social events are held in their church during the mission trip week. Opportunities are available for growth and support beyond the annual mission trip. The dates for 2020 are July 10-18. For complete information, contact Mary Clauss.

This independent mission grew out of a Knox connection with churches of the Dakota Presbytery in South Dakota. Knox supports this mission with contributions that go to improve life situations of Native Americans of the Dakotas and Montana. In addition, Knox supports an annual family mission trip to Sisseton, South Dakota where we participate in various building projects and mentor local children through a Vacation Bible School program.

Are you looking for a way that your family or maybe you as an individual can find an inspirational and rewarding way to spend a week this summer? Do you like eating great food, laughing, singing, praying, working, and staying in the one of most beautiful surroundings that America has to offer? Consider joining us on one of the Dakota Partnership Mission Trips!

The mission of the Partnership is to build lifelong relationships with the Native Americans living on the reservations in South Dakota and Montana. Each year members of the partnership churches make the journey to these two locations to conduct a children's Vacation Bible School Ministry and repair and renew the churches and structures of the reservations. The dates are:

Sisseton, South Dakota - June 20-26, 2020
Fort Peck, Montana - July 10-18, 2020

These mission trips are an opportunity for people of all ages to help inspire and enrich the lives of the Native American people by teaching vacation bible school, repairing church facilities of all kinds, driving passenger vans to transport the kids, help prepare and serve meals for 300 Native American children and their families, and enjoying activities like swimming, evening devotions and sharing a meal with a new friend. There are several choices for lodging accommodations. You can confirm a room at one of the 3 community motels or stay at the local camp ground (the camp ground has an RV hookup).

Your skills will be utilized! We need teachers, counselors and assistants for VBS. We need musicians, camera buffs, post hole diggers, and handy people that know how to use a hammer. We particularly welcome youth from sixth grade on up through college to assist with VBS activities. The Native American children are amazing and we need your helping hands to get started having fun. And if your family consists of people younger than sixth grade, then your kids can attend vacation bible school right along with the Native Americans,as you enjoy being with them as teachers and assistants. This is your chance to teach your children there is no difference in people of all colors, because all colors are truly represented from the various churches and you are amongst the Native Americans.

If you have questions about VBS contact Sue Goll.

We hope that you make this year the year you join us to discover the joy and friendship that the Dakota Partnership can bring to your life - and to the life of others!

Swim Suit Drive

Each spring Knox conducts a much needed swimsuit drive for Sisseton children. You can help by donating new and gently used suits of ALL sizes in the bin by Lehman Hall.

Do you have a child on a local swim team? Please call Julie Milldrum 630-717-8240.